MicrostockGroup

I am new to microstock. Come from a background of sports, PR, news  and scientific photography. I have been out of the game for a few years so want to get back in. To do this I need to know what the agencies want. My three photos got rejected by iStock. Two I understand but the third I don't.

The following is the dropbox  link:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/16375342/calliope%20pipes%20with%20steam%20w%20watermark.jpg

I rather like this one but it might be appropriate for microstock. Let me know. 

Thanks for the help even if you think the photo is S....

Something wrong from the start, I won't bother with marketability, some things sell for unknown reasons. If it gets accepted and never sells, that's the answer to that one.

Soft image, lacking definition. Hey I'm sounding like some Alamy review? But honest for ISO 200 1/500th f/11 it looks flat and lifeless, some serious exposure/noise problems in the shadow areas.

What kind of camera and lens?

I wish you luck. It's a steep learning curve for sure.

Since you have experience it will get better as you learn what Micro is about. But think sharp and clean, don't even bother with shallow depth of field unless it's behind the subject, until you get going. Crisp, bright colors, excellent exposure, it's not like "art" photography or news images. The image should tell a story so the buyers will want to license it and use it. (not that I'm any good at that) And having models and people in the shots is about 1000 times better than stuff and things.

Read what the others here have to say, they know.

It's not the camera my friend. The D200 is still a very worthwhile camera. my pardner is one of the best food shooters out there > thats all he uses. But....he's a photographer. I teach Doctors and lawyers here in Los Angeles. They show up with $45,000 Hasselblads and still Can't shoot. learn photography first then worry about a camera.